What is a primary responsibility of peace officers when involved with firearms?

The primary responsibility of peace officers when involved with firearms is to take custody for lawful purposes. This role is crucial because it emphasizes the officer's duty to manage firearms in a way that adheres to legal standards and protocols. Officers are trained to ensure that weapons are secured and handled properly, especially in situations where they are recovered from individuals or crime scenes.

Taking custody means that officers must evaluate the context of each encounter involving a firearm, ensure it is stored safely, and secure it to prevent unauthorized access. This responsibility is foundational in maintaining public safety and ensuring that firearms do not contribute to further illegal activity.

The other choices may seem logically relevant but do not capture the primary duty effectively. For instance, while carrying firearms is part of many officers' roles, it is not the primary responsibility; the focus is more on their lawful management. Similarly, disposing of firearms and using them for defense of property can be part of an officer's functions but are secondary to ensuring that all interactions with firearms are lawful and responsible. This highlights the essential nature of taking custody in the context of firearm-related protocols in law enforcement.